Sermon Snippet – You Guessed Correctly – Another Person That You Should Know
INTRODUCTION – In Mark 7:24:30, we are introduced to a lady of compelling faith, of what Jesus called “great” faith (Matthew 15:28). We should be greatly interested in anything that Jesus labels as “great.” Let us learn about faith from the story of this woman.
1. HER FAITH WAS FOCUSED
Even though this region (verses 24-26) was only about 20 miles from Galilee, it was a significantly different world. Matthew 15:22 uses “Canaan” to describe this area: it was a Gentile-dominated land, full of false gods. As a Gentile, this woman was considered to be unclean by Jewish believers; as a woman, she was thought to be inferior by the religious elites. Despite these cultural obstacles, this lady “came” to Jesus, a Jewish man. A universal lesson thus quickly emerges: there is no excuse not to come to Jesus. This woman did not care what others thought or said or did. She knew that she needed Jesus, and nothing would keep her from Him.
2. HER FAITH WAS SELFLESS
“She besought Him that He would cast forth the [demon] out of her daughter” (verse 26b). Although there was an element of self-interest in this request, her primary concern was for her child’s spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. Instead of being hardened by this hardship, this mother seeks healing for her girl. It is possible to be focused on the wrong things, to become self-absorbed and self-centered. This lady had hard skin but a soft heart.
3. HER FAITH WAS PERSISTENT
The parallel account in Matthew tells us that at first Jesus said nothing. His silence must have been intimidating to this Gentile woman. Reading the entire account, we can see that Jesus was drawing out her developing faith. What looked like an obstacle was really an opportunity, and she seized it. Even though Jesus’ initial words seemed to be a final rejection (verse 27), she found a way to express faith (verse 28). Real faith does not give up; it gets going!
4. HER FAITH WAS VOCAL
Throughout this account, this lady refuses to be silenced: the parallel account in Matthew 15 says that she “cried unto Him” (verse 22) such that the disciples said, “Send her away; for she crieth after us” (verse 23). Some of us are naturally quiet and reticent; others are much more outgoing. Still, Psalm 107:2a is a command to all believers: “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so.” This woman kept saying so!
5. HER FAITH WAS HUMBLE
We have already seen that she “fell at His feet” (verse 25); we should note that in verse 28 she calls Him – correctly – “Lord.” She is persistent, but she is not presumptuous. A great faith willingly kneels before Jesus and gladly acknowledges that He is Lord of all.
CONCLUSION – This woman’s faith was rewarded: her daughter was fully healed (verses 29-30). She left with even more – eternal life. Faith is great only if it is placed in the One Who can save, Jesus Christ. May each of us trust in Him today, and may our faith be “great” in the eyes of our Savior.